MDC FORBES 15+ Owner's manual

Type
Owner's manual
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FORBES 15 Plus
OFFROAD CARAVAN
____________________________________________________________________________________
OWNER’S MANUAL
15yr Anniversary - Version 2
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* 15 Year Anniversary AU Model shown.
Phone: 1300 494 494
Copyright © Market Direct Group Pty Ltd 2021 All Rights
Reserved
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Contents
Introduction........................................................................ 5
MDC Contact Details ....................................................... 5
Terminology & Abbreviations ....................................... 6
Specifications ..................................................................... 8
Safety Information .......................................................... 10
Fire ..................................................................................... 11
Ventilation .................................................................... 11
Precautions ................................................................... 11
Combustible Materials ............................................... 11
Fire Extinguisher.......................................................... 11
In Case Of Fire ............................................................. 11
Achieving a Safe Towing Combination ....................... 12
Trailer Tyre Pressures ................................................ 12
Tow Vehicle Tyre Pressures ..................................... 12
Ball (Coupling) Weight ............................................... 13
Load Placement ........................................................... 13
Trailer Level .................................................................. 13
Hitch Movement ......................................................... 14
Vehicle Squat ............................................................... 14
Maximum Weight Limits ............................................ 15
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) .............................. 15
Vehicle GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) ..................... 15
Axle Load .................................................................. 15
GCM (Gross Combination Mass) .......................... 16
Summary ........................................................................... 16
Towing Mirrors ............................................................ 17
Jacking Your Caravan or Camper ............................. 18
Electrical Safety ........................................................... 19
Vehicle Electrical Requirements................................... 20
Brake Controller ...................................................... 20
Correct Vehicle Wiring for MDC Campers and
Caravans ................................................................... 20
Trailer Lights................................................................. 21
Charging While Driving .............................................. 21
Vehicle with or without smart alternator: .......... 21
Trail-Assure Electronic Stability Control System ...... 22
Gas & Appliance Safety ................................................. 26
Gas Certification ......................................................... 26
General Safety ............................................................. 26
Gas Cylinder Safety .................................................... 26
Gas Appliance Safety ................................................. 27
Removing the Flue Cover .......................................... 27
Isolating Appliances .................................................... 27
Diesel Heater Safety................................................... 28
Using the Caravan ........................................................... 29
Weights and Payload Capacities .............................. 29
How to Load Your Caravan ....................................... 29
Ball Weight ............................................................... 30
Effects of Weight Distribution ............................. 30
Tyre Pressures ......................................................... 30
Electric Awning ........................................................ 31
Kitchen .......................................................................... 32
Towing The Caravan ................................................... 33
Towing with Trucks .................................................... 33
How to Hitch your coupling ..................................... 34
Coupling ..................................................................... 36
Uncoupling ................................................................ 38
Connecting the Breakaway .................................... 39
Connecting the Safety Chains ............................... 40
Connecting the Electrics ........................................ 40
Wireless Rear-view Camera ..................................... 41
Troubleshooting ....................................................... 41
Charging the Caravan ................................................ 42
Preparing for Bad Weather ...................................... 42
Packing Down Your Caravan .................................... 42
Storage & Care ................................................................ 43
Care and Maintenance of the Caravan ...................... 45
Protection of Finishes ................................................ 45
Paint ........................................................................... 45
Acrylic Windows ...................................................... 45
Internal Finishes ....................................................... 45
Ensuite Finishes ....................................................... 45
Mirrors ....................................................................... 45
Galvanised Finishes ................................................. 45
High Tensile Bolt and Fittings ............................... 45
Stainless Steel ........................................................... 45
Fabrics ........................................................................ 45
Shade and screen care ............................................... 46
Corrosion Protection............................................... 46
Roof Maintenance ...................................................... 46
Sealants ...................................................................... 46
Solar Panels ............................................................... 46
Caravan Body Maintenance ..................................... 46
Locks and Latches .................................................... 46
Rubber Seals ............................................................. 46
Sealants ...................................................................... 46
Winegard Sensar III Antenna (optional Extra) .... 47
Torque Settings ........................................................... 49
Wheel Nuts ............................................................... 49
Hitch ........................................................................... 49
Trailing Arm Pivot Bolts.......................................... 49
Hand Brake .................................................................. 49
Adjuster Automotive Type .................................... 50
Correct Use of Your Electric Brakes ....................... 51
Brake Adjustment ....................................................... 51
Brake Cleaning and Inspection ................................ 51
Magnets ........................................................................ 52
Shoes and Linings ....................................................... 52
Corrosion Prevention ................................................. 52
Wheels and Tyres ........................................................... 53
Suspension ....................................................................... 53
Shock Absorbers & Bushes ....................................... 53
Electric Control Panel ............................................. 54
Main Circuit Breaker .................................................. 54
Mains Power ................................................................ 55
RCD Safety Switch ..................................................... 55
Charging from your Vehicle ...................................... 56
Lithium Battery System ............................................. 56
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Battery Care ................................................................. 57
Lithium (LiFePO4) Battery Reset ............................. 57
Setting Up The BM500-BT App ............................... 58
Maximising Battery Use ......................................... 59
Fridge Maximising ....................................................... 59
Electrical Accessories ................................................. 59
Lighting .......................................................................... 59
12 Volt Wiring Diagram Main Circuit ..................... 60
12v Switch Panel Wiring Diagram ........................... 61
Gas & Water Systems .................................................... 62
Truma Rapid Hot Water System .................................. 62
Operating Instructions ........................................... 62
General Safety ......................................................... 62
Filling the Truma UltraRapid with Water ........... 63
Pressure and Temperature Relief Valve (P&T
safety valve) ............................................................. 64
Draining the Water Heater ................................... 65
Switching On Gas Operation ................................ 65
Removing The Cowl Cover ................................... 65
Select Water Heater Mode ................................... 65
Switching Off Gas Operation ............................... 66
Red Indicator Lamp “Fault” ................................... 66
Maintenance ................................................................ 66
Decalcification ......................................................... 66
Fuses .......................................................................... 66
Circuit Breaker ......................................................... 66
Water Heater Trouble Shooting .............................. 67
Gas Operation .......................................................... 67
Water Supply ........................................................... 67
Water Pumps ............................................................... 68
Plumbing Layout .......................................................... 68
Connecting the Gas .................................................... 69
Protecting from Mould .................................................. 69
Toilet Care and Maintenance ....................................... 70
Chemicals: ................................................................. 70
Diesel Heater ................................................................... 71
Important information before operating the diesel
heater. ........................................................................... 71
MkII Diesel Heater ...................................................... 72
Operation .................................................................. 72
Heater Control Switch ........................................... 72
Power on ................................................................... 72
Temperature Control .............................................. 72
Ventilation mode ..................................................... 72
Shutdown .................................................................. 72
Trouble Shooting ..................................................... 73
Useful Accessories .......................................................... 74
Trouble Shooting ............................................................. 75
12 Volt Electrical ......................................................... 75
240 Volt Electrical ....................................................... 75
Solar Charging .............................................................. 76
Charging from Tow Vehicle ...................................... 76
Charging from Mains Power ..................................... 77
Control Panel & Accessories ..................................... 78
Fig. 1 .............................................................................. 79
Reseng Breakers ...................................................... 80
High Load Breakers ................................................ 80
Medium Load Breakers .............................................. 80
Water ............................................................................ 81
Gas ................................................................................. 81
Brakes ........................................................................... 82
Handy Tips ....................................................................... 83
Driving Off Road ......................................................... 83
Trip Planning ................................................................ 84
Warranty Statement ...................................................... 85
Travel Record .................................................................. 88
Mechanical Maintenance .............................................. 90
Hitch ........................................................................... 90
Ball Bearing Slides ................................................... 90
Wheels and Tyres .................................................... 90
Brakes ........................................................................ 90
Bearings and Seals ................................................... 90
Canopy Lifting Mechanism .................................... 91
Roof Skirt Elastic Cord ............................................ 91
Suspension ................................................................ 92
Spare Part Numbers ................................................ 92
Hub Assembly .......................................................... 93
Trailing Arm Bushes ................................................... 94
Recommended Recovery Products ......................... 95
Recovery points ....................................................... 95
Hardware ................................................................... 95
Service Schedule ............................................................. 97
Supplier Contact Details ............................................. 119
Guide to Video Library ................................................ 121
Handover Video ........................................................ 121
Setup Tuion ............................................................. 121
Pack Down Tuion ................................................... 121
Annex Setup Tuion ................................................ 121
External Ensuite Setup ............................................ 121
Appendix ........................................................................ 122
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Copyright © Market Direct Group Pty Ltd 2020 All Rights Reserved
All files and information contained in this Owner’s Manual are copyright by Market Direct Group Pty Ltd, and
may not be duplicated, copied, modified, or adapted, in any way without our written permission. Our Owner’s
Manual may contain our service marks or trademarks as well as those of our affiliates or other companies, in the
form of words, graphics, and logos.
Your use of our Owner’s Manual does not constitute any right or license for you to use our service marks or
trademarks, without the prior written permission of Market Direct Group Pty Ltd.
Our Content, as found within our Owner’s Manual, is protected under Australian and foreign copyrights. The
copying, redistribution, use or publication by you of any such Content, is strictly prohibited. Your use of our
Owner’s Manual does not grant you any ownership rights to our Content.
DISCLAIMER: This manual is provided in good faith and MDC Group PTY LTD may amend or update this owner
manual from time to time.
Use of Product
The intent and purpose of this manual is to assist owners in the correct use and operation of the product and
outline the servicing schedule to be followed, ensuring the correct maintenance of the product.
Servicing
Servicing information contained in this owner manual is provided for those who have appropriate technical skills
and relevant to the subject matter the publication deals with in regard to maintenance and repairs. The servicing
content of this manual assumes a satisfactory technical knowledge and mechanical skills and experience. It is not
suitable for people who are not trained or qualified in the subject matter it deals with. If you do not have the
appropriate skills and experience, or if you do not have access to appropriate tools and equipment, you may
injure yourself or others around you and/or you may cause damage to the camper or caravan you are working on,
including making it unsafe. Users of this owner manual must:
Read all content thoroughly. It is especially important to have a good understanding of all the contents
shown in the INTRODUCTION and SAFETY Sections of this publication.
Use only the correct tools and equipment for all repairs and servicing.
If part replacement is necessary, replace the part with the same part number or equivalent part. DO
NOT replace it with a part of inferior quality.
Observe all 'Cautions' and 'Notices' to reduce the risk of personal injury during service or repair, or
improper service or repair that may damage the camper/caravan or render it unsafe.
Understand that the 'Cautions' and 'Notices' in this publication are not exhaustive because it is
impossible to warn of all possible hazardous consequences that might result from failure to follow the
instructions in this publication. You must carry out your own risk assessments as you work.
MDC Group PTY LTD does not accept any and all liability which may arise because a user of this publication fails to
follow directions in the publication or safe work methods associated with use and maintenance of the product.
Those without the required skills, knowledge, tools, and experience to work on and maintain this product should
seek the services of a suitably qualified person or business.
This publication is based on the latest product information at the time of release. However, specifications and
procedures are subject to change without notice.
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My Forbes 15+ Hybrid Caravan
DISCLAIMER: by receiving this handbook, you confirm there you have read and agree to all
the terms and conditions and understood the use and maintenance care of MDC®
NAME:
ADDRESS 1:
ADDRESS 2:
MODEL:
VIN:
BUILD DATE:
TARE WEIGHT:
ATM:
TYRE SIZE:
DEALER:
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Introduction
WELCOME TO MDC
Off road caravanning is a rewarding way to travel and see our great country. Owning an MDC Caravan
will afford you the opportunity to travel to remote places and stay in comfort. It is the intention of
MDC for you to have the best possible owner experience and enjoy the great outdoors.
MDC Contact Details
QUEENSLAND
Brisbane
3/711 Beaudesert Rd
Rocklea QLD 4107
Caboolture
4 Boeing Place
Caboolture QLD 4510
NEW SOUTH WALES
Sydney
1/12 Avalli Rd
Prestons NSW 2170
Newcastle
Unit 1, 2364 Pacific Hwy
Heatherbrae NSW 2324
VICTORIA
Melbourne
3/124 Canterbury Rd
Kilsyth South VIC 3137
Campbellfield
1551 Sydney RD
Campbellfield VIC 3061
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Perth
238 Great Eastern Hwy
Ascot WA 6104
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Adelaide
Units 2,3 & 4/32-50 Weaver St
Edwardstown SA 5042
NATIONAL TOLL FREE
1300 4X4 4X4
1300 494 494
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Reading = Tare Mass
Terminology & Abbreviations
Tare Weight: The total weight of the trailer (load on tyres plus coupling load) with all options and fittings
as supplied by the manufacturer, with empty water tanks, excluding fluids not essential for operation
on public roads, and without luggage or personal effects.
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) Rating: The total permissible mass of the Trailer. This includes the coupling
mass and whatever you add as payload (e.g. water, gas, luggage) up to the specified rating. The ATM Rating
must not be exceeded.
GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) Rating: The total permissible mass that can be supported by the wheels/ tyres of
the Trailer. This includes whatever you add as payload (e.g. water, gas, equipment, and luggage), but does not
include the mass supported by the tow vehicle. The GTM Rating must not be exceeded.
Caravans for illustration purposes only.
Load
Coupling Mass
Reading must not exceed ATM Rating
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Ball Weight: The downward load exerted on the tow point of the vehicle by the trailer.
GCM: (Gross Combination Mass): This is the total allowable combined mass of tow vehicle and trailer as
determined by the tow vehicle manufacturer.
Camber: Camber angle is the measure in degrees of the difference between the wheel’s vertical alignment
perpendicular to the surface. If a wheel is perfectly perpendicular to the surface, its camber would be 0
degrees. Camber is described as negative when the top of the tyre begins to tilt inward towards the
chassis rail.
Toe In/out: Negative toe, or toe out, is the front of the wheel pointing away from the centerline of the vehicle.
Positive toe, or toe in, is the front of the wheel pointing towards the centerline of the vehicle.
Toe can be measured in linear units, at the front or rear of the tyre, or as an angular deflection. In the case of
MDC products, the “toe in is measured in millimeters at the front of the tyre from the chassis rail.
Tow vehicle and Trailer Compatibility
Your tow vehicle manufacturer has applied a maximum towing capacity to the vehicle which is the Aggregate
Trailer Mass (ATM) and a maximum Gross Combination Mass (GCM). These specifications MUST NOT be
exceeded. It is your responsibility to know, understand and follow these specifications. Vehicle manufacturers may
also specify or recommend “Weight Distribution Bars” when towing under certain conditions. You MUST ensure
this is compatible with the vehicle and trailer combination.
DANGER
DANGERExceeding manufacturer weight and combination limits can result in
loss of control leading to death or serious injury. Your tow vehicle and hitch must be
rated for the Gross Vehicle Weight of the trailer.
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Specifications
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL Trail-AssureBG-5000 - electronic stability control with asymmetric
braking (off-road ready)
WIRELESS REAR VIEW CAMERA 2.4GHz digital wireless rear view camera + 5" portable monitor
DECAL DESIGN Standard MDC FORBES decal design
ROCKSLIDERS MDC Orange special edition rock sliders
COUPLING LOCK MDC LOK - coupling lock
BATTERY LiFePRO+12V 200Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate battery
AC (240V) CHARGER Projecta IC50 - 12V automatic 50A 5-stage lithium battery charger
DC (12V) CHARGER Projecta IDC25L - 25A 5-stage Intelli-Charge 9-32V lithium DC/ solar
battery charger
BATTERY MONITOR Projecta BM500-BT - battery monitor with Bluetooth connectivity
STYLE 15’ Hybrid Off-Road Caravan
BERTH 5
BEDS 1x Custom pillow-top Queen size innerspring mattress 2x single high-
density foam bunks and a convertible dinette
MATTRESS SIZE Bed - 2000mm L x 1700mm W x 200mm H Top bunk - 1750mm L x
610mm W x 80mm H Bottom bunk - 2030mm L x 720mm W x 80mm H
FINISH Galvanised chassis + external aluminium composite panel
BODY CONSTRUCTION Combination of welded aluminium 50 x 25 RHS and 75X25RHS and 40x
20 RHS and 25X25 square aluminium alloy
TARE WEIGHT Approx. 2220kg
TOWBALL WEIGHT Approx. 170kg
ATM RATING 3000kg
PAYLOAD 780Kg
SIZE OPEN WITH A/C 6942mm L x 5285mm W x 3085mm H
SIZE OPEN WITHOUT A/C N/A
SIZE CLOSED WITH A/C 6410mm L x 2290mm W x 2590mm H
SIZE CLOSED WITHOUT A/C N/A
ANNEX SIZE 5m x 2m
ENSUITE TENT SIZE 1.2m x 1.85m
DRAWBAR 150mm x 50mm - Q345 Galvanised Steel RHS
COUPLING CruisemasterDO35 hitch
JOCKEY WHEEL ARK XO, 10” swing up and lockable
WHEELS & TYRES 16X7.5 6/139.7 aluminium alloy wheels fitted with 265/75 R16 Goodride
radial mud terrain + 2x spares
SUSPENSION X-TRACK Independent coil spring suspension with 2x TOUGH TRAX
Shock absorbers on each side
BRAKES 12" electromagnetic brakes with handbrake and drawbar mounted
emergency breakaway system
STABILISER LEGS 4 x heavy duty lockable and adjustable drop down
JACK & JACKING POINTS CASP 1500kg high-lift scissor jack & integrated jacking points
AWNING 4.2m 12V electric cassette awning
ANNEX Full annex, enclosed roof, walls, floor, and draft skirt
GAS CYLINDER HOLDERS 2x 9kg gas cylinder holders with LCC27 pigtail connector
JERRY CAN STORAGE 2x 20L jerry can holders
WATER TANK(S) 1x 120L fresh water & 1x 80L grey water
WATER DELIVERY 12V electric marine diaphragm pump
KITCHEN CONSTRUCTION Slide out stainless Steel body with gas hob cooktop & washboard sink with
plumbed hot & cold water supply
STONE GUARD Chequer plate stone guard & gas storage locker with forward-facing mud
flap protection
FRIDGE SLIDE 920mm L x 490mm W x 490mm H (passenger side)
SHOWER & ENSUITE Hot/cold external shower includes wall-mounted ensuite tent
SERVERY TABLE Wall-mounted drop-down servery table
ENSUITE Thetford C400 Cassette toilet + hot & cold plumbed shower
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WINDOWS/ BLINDS & SCREENS Double acrylic glazed windows and double cassette blind with flyscreen
and block-out, Zip down ventilation with midge-proof screens
SKYLIGHT(S) AND ROOF HATCHES Ensuite 12V roof hatch with fan and LED lighting and skylight over the
bed with 12V lighting and double cassette blind
AIR CONDITIONER Truma Aventa comfort 2400W roof-mounted air conditioning system with
integrated heat pump
HOT WATER SYSTEM 14L Truma UltraRapid (gas-operated)
COOKER EXTERNAL Stainless steel 4-burner gas hob cooktop with cast iron pan support
DIESEL HEATER 2KW diesel air heater with variable control and 10L fuel tank
SOLAR 3 x 100W solar panels
INVERTER Projecta IM1000 - 12V 1000W modified sine wave inverter
LIGHTING INTERNAL 12V LED lighting throughout with wireless switching
LIGHTING EXTERNAL 12V LED lighting throughout, position markers, indicator & stop/taillights
+ awning and offside wall lighting with blue light up entry door grab
handle
POWER OUTLETS INTERNAL 3 x 12V accessory sockets 2 x 5V dual USB charging ports (1A & 2A split)
1 x F-type TV outlet 2 x 240V double pole GPOs
POWER OUTLETS EXTERNAL 2 x Anderson plugs 1 x 12V accessory socket
SOUND SYSTEM Stereo head unit with internal & external speakers
TV HD LED TV with 12V compatibility, USB, and full motion TV bracket
TV ANTENNA OPTIONAL Winegard Sensar HV directional TV antenna
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Safety Information
WARNING
Before using this product, you should read this manual, and those manuals supplied by component
manufacturers applicable to this product.
This manual is supplied as a reference to required maintenance of the product. Failure to use and maintain
the product in accordance with what is outlined in this manual may affect your warranty.
Incorrect and/or insufficient maintenance may cause product failure resulting in property loss, damage or
injury or death. Maintenance intervals are critical for normal use, extreme use may require shorter or
additional maintenance intervals.
Manual content does not imply, express or other any warranty, the owner should read the limited warranty terms included in this
booklet.
MDC does not cover damage due to unauthorised modifications, misuse, abuse, incorrect assembly, improper and
irregular maintenance or accident or collision.
Before using this product, you should be certain your tow vehicle is suitably rated and equipped to tow the product safely and
legally. The trailer and vehicle pairing must we within the safe “Maximum Towing Capacity”, “Ball Weight Capacity” and “Gross
Combination Mass” as stated by the vehicle manufacturer.
This caravan is fitted with electric brakes and a “Breakaway System”. Requirements for breakaway systems can vary from state to
state. It is mandatory to supply a maintenance charge to the breakaway battery source while driving. You MUST ensure this
capability is fitted to your vehicle. The maintenance charge is supplied to the caravan via the Anderson plug on the drawbar.
WARNING: BALL LOADING (DOWNWARD LOAD ON TOW HITCH) MUST NOT EXCEED 350KG OR THE MAXIMUM
ALLOWABLE LOAD BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR TOW BAR RATING, WHICH EVER IS THE LOWEST. Exceeding these
limits may result in an accident causing serious injury or death and/or property damage.
It is important to load your caravan correctly to distribute weight evenly and achieve a suitable ball weight load
and prevent loading in a manner that can cause a Caravan to sway and/or roll excessively left and right. The
industry optimum ball weight on a caravan is between 9 and 11% of the total Caravan weight. MDC Caravans fit
into this category and 10% should be used as the starting point.
Modifications to The Product
Gas Systems
The installed gas system on this product is an approved and certified installation. Any changes, modifications or
adjustment may render the system non-compliant and dangerous. Market Direct Group Pty Ltd does not
condone, recommend, or otherwise consent to any modifications, adjustment, addition or tampering in any way
with the installed gas system on any and all products.
Chassis
All MDC chassis are fully engineered and verified using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. This ensures that
the chassis for each model passes the relevant regulations and design rules as originally provided to the customer.
Any modification to the chassis or drawbar whatsoever (no matter how minor) will inevitably change this
whether it impacts the towing dynamics, expected loads and stress points, safety chain attachment points, overall
trailer length etc.
Market Direct Group Pty Ltd does not condone, recommend, or otherwise consent to any modifications,
adjustment, addition or tampering in any way with the drawbar, safety chains or safety chain attachment points.
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Fire
CAUTION
Ventilation
So not obstruct any permanent ventilation in this camper/caravan including annex attachments.
Precautions
Do not leave children or pets alone in the camper/caravan.
Combustible Materials
Keep all combustible materials away from:
Ovens and cooktops
Hot water heater
Diesel heater and outlet
Fire Extinguisher
Ensure fire extinguisher is free of obstruction and in operable condition.
Ensure you are familiar with its location and operation.
In Case Of Fire
Evacuate everyone from the trailer and clear the immediate area
Turn off gas valve at the gas cylinder
Disconnect mains power supply
Call fire brigade on 000
Only try and extinguish the fire if safe to do so
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Achieving a Safe Towing Combination
Ensuring a camper or caravan is safe and easy to tow is generally an easy thing to achieve, this doesn’t mean it’s
always the case and sometimes, a vehicle and trailer combination may need some tweaking to make it ideal.
There are a number of aspects that need to be correct in order to maximise towing safety and handling. It is
important to use this information in conjunction with the maximum weight limits applied by your tow vehicle’s
manufacturer as well as ensuring you stay within the maximum specified ratings of your caravan or camper.
These can be found in the vehicle’s owner manual. This summary will address the main aspects, these aspects
include, but may not be limited to the items listed in the following diagram:
Trailer Tyre Pressures
Tyre pressures have a large effect on the handling and performance of any vehicle, be it a towed vehicle or
motorized. The tyre pressure on your camper or caravan will indeed be a major contribution to how well it tows
and resists instability. Due to how much a camper or caravan may vary in weight depending on the cargo (as
much as 1600kg to 3000kg in the MDC range) it is important to have your tyres at the pressure recommended by
the trailer manufacturer, for the actual weight of the trailer when loaded. You should follow the tyre pressure
guide in this manual for on road/highway tyre pressures.
Tow Vehicle Tyre Pressures
Equally as important as trailer tyre pressure is the tyre pressures in your tow vehicle. The added weight of the
trailer ball weight should be factored into calculating the tyre pressures in the rear of the car. What should also be
factored in is the effect the distance of the hitch from the axles plays in leverage. A load on the tow bar of 250kg
may well have the effect of 300kg or more on the vehicles rear tyres meaning additional pressure must be
applied. This will limit sidewall flex and sideways movement of the rear of the vehicle, limiting unwanted
movement that can cause instability in the trailer.
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Ball (Coupling) Weight
The ratio of overall weight of the trailer to the weight exhibited on the tow ball or coupling
is an extremely important aspect of making a trailer handle correctly when towed.
Generally, the ball or tongue weight allowed by most vehicle manufacturers is 10% of the
maximum towing capacity. Given this ratio, the caravan industry builds campers and
caravans with this in mind. When loading your MDC caravan, you should have a target ball
or coupling weight of 10% or slightly higher to ensure the weight balance is at an ideal
starting point. This figure should not be a guess, you should weigh your caravan with its
normal load when travelling and use a ball weight scale to achieve the desires ball weight.
These are an inexpensive item that will help you get the weight balance right when you
load up for your trip.
Load Placement
Where you place the items in your trailer will affect how it behaves. Loading too much weight in the extremities
of the trailer can have a very bad effect. MDC owner manuals have a loading guide to assist in this area. By
following the guide and ball weight recommendations you’ll achieve the best possible result. Use the load
placement guide in this manual as a reference for packing your caravan.
Trailer Level
The height of your hitch in respect to the level of the trailer will change the handling while being towed. The best
practice with your MDC trailer is when loaded and hitched to the vehicle, the drawbar is NO higher than level.
Ideally you should look to have the drawbar slightly lower than level between 0 and 50mm. Higher than level or
too low will have an adverse effect on how the trailer tows.
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Hitch Movement
Most modern tow bars have an adjustable screw fitted to the hitch receiver that can be used to stop the hitch
insert from rattling. Unfortunately this is not a sure fire way to limit sideways movement that can affect how well
your trailer tows. Hitch movement from side to side can cause sway and when combined with a tow vehicle that
has a greater distance between the rear axle centre and the hitch point, this affect can cause serious sway issues.
Combine this with poor tyre pressures on the tow vehicle and you have a recipe for disaster.
If there is excess play in the hitch and hitch receiver, you may need to place shims either side of the insert to limit
the movement. Shims are commercially available such as the pack below.
Vehicle Squat
When the back of a vehicle squats due to cargo and/or ball weight of the trailer, the handling of the tow vehicle
can be changed to its detriment. Vagueness in steering, poor toe, camber, and caster settings due to reduced
front suspension load, reduced brake and tyre grip are often the result. All this in turn can result in a poorly
handling towing combination. The best way to rectify this is upgrading the tow vehicle suspension to be suitable
for the weights being experienced. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend Weight Distribution Hitches (WDH),
this will be outlined in the vehicle owner manual and should be considered. You should also consult with the
trailer manufacturer if this is an appropriate fitment to the trailer. The WDH should NOT be used in off road
operation as it will NOT meet the required articulation that will be experienced. To better setup your tow vehicle
suspension, it’s best to consult a suspension expert experienced with towing requirements.
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Maximum Weight Limits
The following is an outline of the ratings that will be specified by the manufacturer of your vehicle and the
camper/caravan manufacturer. These MUST be followed in conjunction with previously mentioned criteria for
safe handling. None of the maximum ratings may be exceeded.
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass)
This limit is specified by the trailer manufacturer and must NOT be exceeded under any circumstances. The ATM
is the full weight of the loaded trailer including ball (coupling) mass.
Vehicle GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass)
This is the loaded weight including fuel, passengers, cargo and ball (coupling) mass of the attached trailer on the
tow vehicle.
Axle Load
This is the maximum load on an axle specified by the tow vehicle manufacturer. It is possible to have your vehicle
and trailer within ATM, GVM and GCM load limits but above the axle load limit specified. Be sure that this is not
exceeded.
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GCM (Gross Combination Mass)
GCM is the maximum combined load of the tow vehicle and trailer, as specified by the tow vehicle manufacturer.
Never exceed this maximum weight limit.
Summary
The above will assist in tuning or trouble shooting handling problems with your towing combination but are not
the sole influences. Other items for consideration are:
Wheel alignment on both vehicle and trailer.
Wear and tear on:
- Suspension bushes
- Shock absorbers
- Springs
- Tyres
Tow vehicle tyre size (Oversize tyres)
Extended hitches
Distance between axle centre and hitch point
Tow vehicle accessories (Weight distribution)
Real life tow vehicle capability (Not all vehicles are created equal)
The purpose of this information is to help you to do a self-assessment and achieve a sound towing combination. If
you are not confident you can achieve this, you should consult an expert to assist.
If you require assistance from MDC, call 1300 494494 option 3 and speak to our customer service department.
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Towing Mirrors
Depending on the width of your car mirrors versus the overall width of your camper or caravan, you may
be required to fit extended mirrors to your vehicle when towing. The illustration below shows the
minimum required field of vision through your vehicle’s mirrors.
Note: Mirror extension attachments must be removed when not towing, fitted mirrors that extend must
also be retracted when now towing.
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Jacking Your Caravan or Camper
Your trailer is fitted with purpose built jacking points and from January 2021 supplied with a suitable jack. An
appropriately rated bottle jack is an acceptable alternative, however when using the jacking point beneath the
trailing arm ensure the jack is of a retracted height that will fit under the jacking point when the tyre is deflated. A
suitably rated “High Lift” jack may be used on the jacking points on the side of the body behind the wheels
provided it has the correct positive engagement fitting to match the trailer. To ensure safe usage the following
must be followed:
The jack is to be used on level firm ground wherever possible.
The wheels of the trailer should be chocked, and no person should remain inside the trailer whilst it is
being jacked.
No person should place any portion of their body under a trailer that is supported by a jack.
The trailer should be attached to the towing vehicle whilst being jacked.
When performing maintenance ensure suitably rated jack stands are used do not rely on the trailer
being supported by the jack.
Behind the wheels Under the chassis
Under the trailing arm
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Electrical Safety
Warning
Failure To Follow These Instructions May Result In Death Or Serious Injury!
When working with electrical equipment or lithium batteries, have someone nearby in case of an
emergency.
Study and follow all the manufacturer’s specific precautions when using and servicing the battery and
connected appliances.
Wear eye protection and gloves.
Keep unit away from moist or damp areas.
Avoid dropping any metal tool or object on the battery. Doing so could create a spark or short circuit
which goes through the battery or another electrical tool that may create an explosion.
Warning
Shock Hazard! Keep Away From Children
Avoid moisture. Never expose unit to snow, water, etc.
Inverter Unit provides 230 VAC, treat the AC output socket the same as regular wall AC sockets at home.
Read and understand the information in the appliance manuals before operating this equipment
The 240v electrical system in your caravan has been certified by a trade qualified person. Under no circumstances
should an unqualified person interfere with, modify, or repair this system. An RCD safety device is fitted to this
caravan
for your safety.
• Always use a 15amp lead to connect to mains power.
• Do not modify the earth pin to accommodate a lesser lead.
• When connecting to 10amp mains, always use an approved adapter.
• Never coil power leads when in use. Lay the lead out in lengths in a safe manner that prevents
creating a trip hazard.
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